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      ‘It will be like the fight scene at end of Anchorman’ – expert predicts scrap over £2bn contract for new Man Utd stadium

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S new stadium could spark a scrap like “the fight scene at the end of Anchorman”, according to the designer of Everton’s ground.Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to build a new 100,000-seater stadium or renovate and extend the Sir Bobby Charlton stand.AI images of how a new Manchester United stadium could look have been releasedCredit: CanvaOne designer has claimed the contract to build the new ground could end up in an Anchorman-style face-offCredit: Apatow Productions / DreamWorks PicturesWill Ferrell as Ron Burgundy in classic comedy movie Anchorman: The Legend of Ron BurgundyCredit: Apatow Productions / DreamWorks PicturesA final decision is not expected until next year but the club have already released pictures of what an Old Trafford regeneration could look like.AI images have also been mocked up to show how a new Man Utd ground may look – including a roof and circular shape.The plans are expected to cost Ineos around £2billion.And Dan Meis, who has designed both Everton’s Bramley-Moore Dock and Roma’s Stadio della Roma, believes there will be an almighty fight between architects to secure the seismic contract.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to The Times, he said: “I don’t know if you’ve seen the fight scene between the rival news crews at the end of Anchorman, but it’s going to be like that.”The Anchorman reference relates to a scene from the 2004 hit movie where a host of famous faces appear in groups for a final showdown.Will Ferrell’s team of reporters from TV channel KVWN fights their rivals from other TV news rooms in an alley.Foster + Partners, who designed Wembley Stadium, produced drawings of how the ground could look.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. One designer pitched this as the revamped Old Trafford last yearCredit: YouTube / BondibotAI images show just how spectacular the ground could lookCredit: CanvaHowever, the project is still in the early stages of discussions – with a task force headed up by Lord Coe expected to share a “feasibility study” in 2025 detailing the options for both a new stadium and Old Trafford renovations.Ratcliffe spoke back in February about building a new stadium, saying: “It’s about time someone built a national stadium in the north of England.”If it can be achieved, it would clearly be my preference.Inside the SoFi Stadium as Man Utd look for inspiration for new Old Trafford “I would be very excited for the north of England.”Architects are assembling at the Old Trafford cricket ground next week for The Stadium Business Design & Development Summit.But Man Utd’s home is not on the agenda at the meeting.A circular stadium with a stunning roof could be in the worksCredit: CanvaIt remains to be seen how the final proposal could shape upCredit: Canva More

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      How Gary Lineker’s podcast empire’s taking over the world as Goalhanger tops the charts with four most popular UK shows

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      GARY Lineker may be giving up Match of the Day – but he is more than sorted with his podcast empire.Earlier this month, the England legend, 63, announced he was quitting the show after 25 years as host.Gary Lineker is conquering the podcast world on and off airCredit: The Rest is football podcastGary Lineker will step down from his Match of The Day job at the end of the seasonCredit: BBCA new four-year deal with the BBC to show Premier League highlights begins from next season.”I feel this is now the right time,” Lineker revealed.”I think [with] the next [highlights] contract, they’re looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”He later said on his The Rest Is Football podcast: “I always thought my next thing would be the end. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. I’ve done Match of Day for 25 years. It’s been an absolute joy and a privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC.read. more football news”But all things have to come to an end.”Lineker is far from done, though.Despite walking away from a £1.35million-per-year pay day with the Beeb, he will still rake it in – thanks to his company, Goalhanger Podcasts.They produce 13 podcasts in total, encompassing the worlds of politics, history, entertainment, and football.Most read in FootballAstonishingly, they collectively achieve more than 40million downloads a month.Watch Alan Shearer’s cheeky pitch to be new Match of the Day host in first show since Gary Lineker exit confirmedBetter still, a look at the British podcast charts – via Podwatch, who get their data from iTunes and Spotify – reveals that Goalhanger Podcasts occupy the top four spots in the UK.Their latest hit, spy story The Rest Is Classified, has jumped straight to the top of the charts.While, the Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics and The Rest Is Entertainment, in that order, make up the top four.Incredibly, The Rest Is Football props up the No8 spot – making Goalhanger Podcasts the biggest independent podcast group and the largest outside the United States.Thinking aheadIn 2014, Lineker and business partner Tony Pastor set up Goalhanger Films Ltd.Originally, they set it up to produce documentaries, and they did it well.Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health was taken by the BBC, while Keane & Vieira – Best of Enemies appeared on ITV.However, earlier this month Pastor revealed that they focusing their attentions on podcasts.Therefore, Goalhanger Films Ltd was closing.“We effectively mothballed Films and set up a bespoke company concentrating on podcasts,” he told Deadline.Jack Davenport, Gary Lineker and Tony Pastor set up Goalhanger Podcasts in 2018Credit: GoalhangerBeforehand, Pastor and Lineker had a film company that produced documentaries, including a film on Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane’s rivalryCredit: ITVread more sport features“There was a period in which I ran them in tandem, but the growth of podcasts was so explosive and television is challenged, so we’ve now done some housekeeping.”He added: “We’ve gone from a production company being entirely beholden to commissioners and the budgets of broadcasters to having a degree of self-control, whereby we are self-commissioning.”Stellar cast listGoalhanger’s podcasts, which began to take shape in 2018 with former radio exec Jack Davenport joining the party, bring together stellar hosts.Although sports readers will be familiar with Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer on The Rest Is Football, it’s The Rest Is History that draws Hollywood movie stars in as guests.Hosted by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, both popular historians and bestselling authors, the subjects of their podcasts are varied.One six-part series was produced to debunk Hollywood’s story-telling of the sinking of The Titanic.While another saw Oscar-winner Tom Hanks offer his views on NASA’s lunar missions.The Rest Is Politics features ex-New Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell and former Conservative minister Rory Stewart.Last year, The Rest Is Entertainment was launched, featuring Pointless star Richard Osman and journalist Marina Hyde, where they discuss contemporary entertainment stories, in the world of film, television, stage, books and more.Goalhanger produced The Rest Is History is the most popular podcast in the UKCredit: The Rest Is HistoryThe Rest is Entertainment, launched in 2023, features Richard Osman and Marina HydeCredit: The Rest is EntertainmentTom Holland, left, and Dominic Sandbrook, right, had Tom Hanks on an episode of The Rest Is HistoryIt’s a formula that works, and can keep Lineker earning well after he’s left the MOTD hotseat.Nice pay dayDue to the astronomical figures of downloads that Goalhanger podcasts receive, they will certainly generate a lot of cash.While the podcasts also appear on YouTube, where the content has been viewed more than 80million times so far.According to reports, Goalhanger are paid £45 by advertisers for every 1,000 listens to an advert.It is believed that during the Euros this summer, Lineker made an additional £125,000, alongside his BBC duties at the tournament.Incredibly, one episode of The Rest Is Football was viewed over 530,000 times on YouTube.The Rest Is History, their regular best seller, generates 11 million downloads per month, alongside 1.2 million YouTube views, and 45,000 subscribers – paying up to £25-per-month.It has been estimated that show makes as much as £500,000-per-month for spoken ads from its presenters.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment.Gary Lineker and Micah Richards appear on The Rest Is FootballCredit: The Rest Is FootbalDuring election years in the UK and US, The Rest is Politics thrived with hosts Alastair Campbell and Rory StewartCredit: The Rest is PoliticsThis year, The Rest Is Politics podcast has become the most popular on our shores, drawing 700,000 downloads per episode during election years in both the UK and US.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Lineker is not a director of Goalhanger Podcasts, he is its largest shareholder – owning 50 of its 150 shares.Forget TV, the ex-Three Lions ace has found a new lease of life – and it should be lucrative for years to come. 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      Bayern Munich star footballer ‘is caught drink-driving in Germany after partying with pals at club & faces ban and fine’

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      BAYERN Munich ace Alphonso Davies has been caught drink driving after being pulled over by police, say reports.The Canadian defender, 24, now faces a driving ban after he was reportedly found to be over the legal limit in the early hours of Thursday morning.Bayern Munich ace Alphonso Davies has been caught drink driving after being pulled over by police, say reportsCredit: GettyDavies training with his teammates before a Champions League tie this weekCredit: APThe Bayern Munich team before they played PSG on TuesdayA breathalyser test revealed he registered a blood alcohol level of 0.6 grams per litre, according to Bild.In Germany, the allowed level is under 0.5 grams per litre.Davies had spent Wednesday evening with friends at a Christmas market in Munich, say German media.He then moved on to a nightclub before making his way home in the early hours of Thursday morning where he was stopped by cops at around 2:15am.read more in Bayern MunichDavies is now expected to have his driving licence taken away for a month and fork out £4,100 in fines, He will also receive two points on his licence.His club side, Bayern Munich are not expected to punish him any further. They had allowed the star leftback to have a day off following their huge Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.Most read in FootballHe returned to training as normal on Friday as the Bundesliga favourites prepare to face off with Borussia Dortmund in the Der Klassiker.Vincent Kompany’s side – led by English talisman Harry Kane – are six points clear of second-placed Eintracht Frankfurt already this season.They are still unbeaten with 11 games played.Davies also captains the Canadian national soccer team. He became the first player born in the 2000s to compete in a Major League Soccer match when he played for Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The Canadian defender also became the youngest player to appear in the national team. Born in Ghana to refugee Liberian parents, Davies and his family relocated to Canada when he was five-years-old.He obtained Canadian citizenship in 2017. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.Vincent Kompany’s side – led by English talisman Harry Kane – are six points clear of second placed Eintracht Frankfurt already this season.Credit: AFP More

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      Former Premier League title winner now owns and coaches Japanese club who play in sixth tier of German football

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      FORMER Premier League champion Shinji Okazaki has turned his attention to building a Japanese club… in Germany.Okazaki, 38, is a member of Leicester City’s 2016 title winning side and hung up his boots last summer after a career that spanned England, Belgium, Japan and Spain.Premier League champion Shinji Okazaki has embarked on a new career since retiringCredit: GettyOkazaki is the founder and manager of German sixth tier side FC Basara MainzBut it was his time playing in Germany for Mainz and Stuttgart that has shaped what he’s doing now with the retired bagsman the owner and head coach of a club in the country’s sixth tier.Okazaki founded FC Basara Mainz 10 years ago during his time in the Bundesliga at Mainz 05 and has had a huge hand in their success since that time.The aim was to create an environment where talented Japanese players could develop their game and earn their stripes with facilities that could help them improve as players.Speaking to Transfermarkt, Okazaki recalled: “Takashi Yamashita [President of Basara Mainz] noticed that many [Japanese] players didn’t develop as much as expected. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Some found opportunities to play, but when faced with tough conditions, they often blamed their environment or coach instead of taking responsibility for their growth. “The cultural and practical differences between Japan and Germany were immense – not just in everyday life but on the pitch as well.“I suggested to Yamashita, ‘Why don’t we create our own team and develop Japanese players ourselves?’ He immediately agreed, saying, ‘Let’s do it!’ That’s how Basara was born.”It wasn’t a simple start for the club who had to begin their journey in the 11th tier of the German game.Most read in FootballOkazaki played in England, Spain, Germany, Belgium and Japan during his careerCredit: PA:Press AssociationFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut thanks to their commitment, and a little help from founding star Takuya Hidaka netting 40 goals in a single season, Basara Mainz earned FIVE consecutive promotions.As much as Okazaki is aiming high with his new team, the former Foxes frontman is still wanting the club to mainly function as a hotbed for Japanese talent, as well as Germany youngsters too.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersHe added: “The core idea is to be a place for young Japanese players. “But I also think we could send ambitious German players to Japanese teams or even to Belgium. “I want Basara to be a stepping stone for players to try again elsewhere. It’s a concept that’s normal in Japan, but I’d like German players to make use of it too.”Some 12 of Basara’s 30 registered players herald from Japan with 11 stars coming from Germany.Okazaki’s ambition of taking the team further up the leagues in Germany has been hit by a stumbling block this season with the club currently 8th in the league.While Basara are unable to gain promotion to the fifth tier of German football, the Oberliga, without a number of strict requirements, including having at least three youth teams.Okazaki acted as an owner for the club’s first nine years of operation but is now taking a more hands on role as manager of the side.The 119-time Japan international conducts his training sessions in English and is currently pursuing his coaching licenses for the future.But despite his passion for developing Japanese and German talent with Basara, his end goal lies elsewhere.Okazaki told Transfermarkt that his dream is to one day manage the Japanese national team at the World Cup, eyeing the incredible feat within 20 years.He said: “I don’t want to just earn a licence and coach in the J-League.”I want to do things no one else has done, like competing in intense environments. The World Cup is my ultimate goal, and I’ll keep working toward it, even if it takes 10 or 20 years.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOkazaki is Japan’s third all-time top goalscorer and is considered one of the country’s top footballers in recent history alongside the likes of Shinji Kagawa and Makoto Hasebe. But if he can create a club that can feed talent to the national team and then take charge of the nation himself, then he may go down as one of Japan’s most important players in history.Okazaki wants to become Japan manager in the futureCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Holland legend Guus Hiddink reveals the key mistake Erik ten Hag made at Man Utd that left him ‘watched with suspicion’

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      FORMER Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink believes Erik ten Hag’s downfall at Man Utd was due to an over-reliance on his personal circle. According to Holland legend Hiddink, Ten Hag failed to integrate into the culture at Old Trafford and left himself “isolated”.Former Holland manager Guus Hiddink has explained where Erik ten Hag went wrong at UnitedTen Hag was finally axed after a chaotic final 12 months in chargeTen Hag, 54, was sacked by United after a dismal run of results which culminated in a 2-1 defeat to relegation strugglers West Ham.United’s fourth Premier League defeat of the season proved to be the breaking point as Ineos swiftly replaced him with Ruben Amorim.While the autopsies on Ten Hag’s two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford are still being crafted, Hiddink has shared his own thoughts on where the former Ajax manager went wrong.He told Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur: “Everyone does it in their own way, but I was surprised at how many confidants Erik gathered around himREAD MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Then you end up on an island, which makes it more difficult to integrate into the culture of your new club and is watched with suspicion. “I always took one assistant abroad with me, with whom I could map out things in the field of football. “I therefore opted for local trainers and supervisors. People who knew the club or the country well.”You play a role in how you are judged. Sometimes approach it with a wink. I mean, we are talking about football, not about war and peace.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You should not respond to force that comes your way with force. Then it will explode somewhere.”Hiddink had two successful spells in charge of Chelsea, leading them to the FA Cup in 2009.Is Amad Diallo the key to transforming Ruben Amorim’s attack at Manchester United?It comes as first-team coach Steve McClaren and trainers Benni McCarthy and Richard Hartis all departed over Ten Hag’s reign.The decision to sack Ten Hag was not taken easily after a summer in which United had backed him with a new contract, £205m spent on the transfers he wanted, and even his own additions to his staff.Ruud van Nistelrooy, who Ten Hag hired in the summer, was waiting in the shadows as he was named interim manager before Amorim arrived.Van Nistelrooy, who wanted to return to his assistant role after his four game stint, was dismissed by Amorim on day one.But the legendary United striker has since been named as Leicester City’s new manager after Steve Cooper was sacked on Sunday.With Ten Hag gone, Amorim now faces the challenge of steering United back to success after enjoying an undefeated record with Sporting this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim started his reign with a 1-1 draw at Ipswich but claimed his first Old Trafford victory with a 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday.The Red Devils sit 12th in the Prem as they host Everton on Sunday.Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years. More

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      Man City fans say ‘Liverpool on Sunday and he’s lost his mind’ as Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s birthday

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      MANCHESTER CITY fans are worried about Pep Guardiola after the Spaniard sang a song for Barcelona’s 125th anniversary. A pre-recorded video showed Guardiola lip-singing with a scar on his nose, which he picked up during City’s capitulation against Feyenoord on Tuesday.Pep Guardiola sported a scar on his nose as he lip-synched a song to celebrate Barcelona’s 125th anniversaryGuardiola sparked concern when he appeared after the 3-3 draw with Feyenoord with a cut on his nose and scratches on his faceThe former Barca player and manager mimed along to ‘Aniversari’ by Catalan band Manel to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the iconic club.The surreal performance lasted just over a minute and was met with huge applause by all in the grand auditorium. Guardiola was not present in Barcelona but shared a video message for the audience – and the cut on his face provided some clues as to when it was filmed.But online fans were less than enthusiastic about Guardiola’s performance, with some wondering what he’ll do if City lose at Anfield on Sunday. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne supporter wrote: “Lose to Liverpool and Pep will officially lose his mind.”A second said: “I’m worried about him, what will he sing if City don’t win a game this month?🤣”While another replied: “Making a stressed out man sing is crazy. 🤣”A fourth added: “This has to be some type of torture he looks so tired.”Most read in FootballLiverpool have won 17 of their 19 games in competitions this seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne more wrote: “I dare City to lose against Liverpool. Imagine.”The song holds special significance for Guardiola, as it is reportedly one of his personal favourites.Five Man City disasters that led to Pep Guardiola scratching his OWN face before ‘self-harm’ apologyAs Guardiola celebrated Barcelona’s milestone, his current side, City, face a challenging period.The reigning Premier League champions are enduring one of their worst stretches in recent memory.City have gone six games without a win across all competitions- even San Marino have won more matches than them this month.They squandered a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 against Feyenoord in the Champions League at the Etihad on Tuesday.Guardiola appeared with scratches on his face and red marks on his head as he conducted post match interviews.When quizzed on his cuts he told TNT: “I want to harm myself. My finger, here [makes a scratching motion]. My nail.”He apologised for the comment the next day and insisted that he did not intend to make light of self-harm.City are winless in their last six matches in all competitions ahead of a trip to face Premier League leaders Liverpool at AnfieldThe cut on the bridge of his nose was visible in the video that beamed into the Gran Teatre del Liceu on Friday.Barcelona’s current crop of players, who currently sit top of LaLiga, were all suitably attired for the occasion.While there were additional video clips from Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Romario.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuardiola won 14 trophies with the Catalans including two Champions League titles and three LaLiga titles during his four-year stint.But should City lose to in-form Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, they will be 11 points behind the Prem leaders after 13 games.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY began the season as favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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      I was hauled off at half-time of dreadful FA Cup final thanks to Mick Jagger and his snake hips

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      MICK JAGGER had an unexpected influence on one former Chelsea star’s display in the 2007 FA Cup final.Joe Cole has opened up on how the rock ‘n’ roll superstar’s “snake hips” left him unable to concentrate on the Wembley turf.Joe Cole has opened up on how Mick Jagger cut his FA Cup final appearance shortCredit: Youtube/Football’s GreatestMick Jagger was at Wembley for the 2007 FA Cup finalCredit: AFPCole, 43, started the 2007 FA Cup final for Chelsea, a heavyweight clash against a Manchester United side littered with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney.But it wasn’t the big name players or the occasion of playing the first game in new Wembley that threw Cole off, rather the presence of one of his musical heroes.Speaking to former Blues teammate Ashley Cole on the Football’s Greatest: Could It Be Magic podcast, brought to you by Carling, Joe Cole opened up on being starstruck by the Rolling Stones frontman.He said: “It was a dreadful, dreadful game. Do you know what I remember about that game? Weird things that spring to mind. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I remember, because it was the first game at the new Wembley. So it was sort of extra exciting. For some reason, I’m a big Rolling Stones fan, right? And Mick Jagger was walking around. “Do you not remember this? See, Mick Jagger was walking around the tunnel. He must have been doing a song or something before the Cup final.”Might have been a national anthem, giving it these snake hips there. I don’t know what it was. “But I remember seeing him, but I’m focused on the game and nothing could take me off. There’s nothing that could put me off, I’m ready.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I wouldn’t even look at the opposition because you’re playing against, like, [former West Ham team-mate Michael] Carrick, who we know, or the boys from England, the United boys. “And I just see Mick and I just went proper fan boy. I think I went, ‘All right, Mick!’ And he’s probably why I got taken off at half time, my head was gone. I couldn’t concentrate. Mick had done me.”Joe Cole scores opening goal at Soccer Aid 2024Cole was hooked at half-time with the scores tied 0-0 after the first 45 minutes.But it ultimately proved to be the right decision as Chelsea went on to win the match 1-0 thanks to a 116th minute extra-time goal by Didier Drogba.That FA Cup is one of three won by the former England international during his career.While he also lifted the Premier League three times too.Joe Cole lifted the FA Cup in 2007 after being subbed off at half-timeCredit: Action Images – ReutersFootball’s Greatest: Could It Be Magic with Joe Cole and Ashley Cole, brought to you by Carling, the official sponsor of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup. You can watch the show on YouTube and Spotify or listen to it wherever you get your podcasts. More

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      Van Nistelrooy must urgently sort out Leicester’s toxic dressing room – but that’s just one of five pressing problems

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY swept into Leicester City last night as Steve Cooper’s replacement.But he won’t be able to sweep the problems he has inherited under the carpet if he wants to succeed at the King Power.Ruud van Nistelrooy has been announced as the new Leicester City managerCredit: GettyHere are the five most pressing problems Van Nistelrooy must tackle if he is going to fix the Foxes – and avoid a Ruud awakening in his first permanent gig as a Premier League boss.SORT OUT A TOXIC DRESSING ROOMLast week’s video from a Copenhagen nightclub was an embarrassment to the club, the owner and the fans.But most importantly it should have been an embarrassment for the players.They might have thought it was ever so clever to display a sign expressing their love for Enzo Maresca and how much they missed him.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIf it was meant to be a slap in the face for their former boss Steve Cooper, sacked hours later, then it missed the mark and the point by miles.They should remember Maresca walked out on them at the first opportunity, so their loyalty was misguided at best.They deserved to have the riot act read to them by owner Top Srivaddhanaprabha during showdown talks on Tuesday.Van Nistelrooy has previous and doesn’t suffer fools lightly after falling out with his PSV players and backroom staff after one season in charge – and that was after a successful season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis stellar reputation as a player will earn him instant respect – but the evidence is that won’t last long if the current squad take a dislike to him and start pining for Maresca again!It’s vital Van Nistelrooy has a harmonious dressing-room if Leicester are to prosper.Leicester City players were spotted partying in CopenhagenCredit: ekstrabladet.dkA sign was held aloft referencing former boss Enzo MarescaCredit: ekstrabladet.dkLeicester stars party in nightclub next to ‘Enzo I miss you’ sign hours after Chelsea loss on night before Cooper sackedDEAL WITH A DODGY DEFENCEThe best bosses build from the back.Because, as any builder knows, without the proper foundations your house is in danger of collapsing at any moment.Leicester have scored in all but one of their Premier League games this season and bagged as many goals as high-flying Nottingham Forest.But they have only kept one clean sheet and only Wolves and rock-bottom Southampton have leaked more goals than the Foxes’ 23.Cooper recognised the problem and his priority in January was to sign a savvy stopper.He watched enviously in the summer as his old club Nottingham Forest snapped up rock-solid Serbian Nikola Milenkovic.Caleb Okoli is a bright prospect but as raw as Sushi.Jannick Vestergaard is a Championship proven defender who struggles in the Prem.While Conor Coady is best suited to a three-man defence.Van Nistelrooy needs to source a reliable partner for Belgian international Wout Faes – and quickly!Leicester have had a leaky defence this seasonCredit: GettyFIND A LONG TERM REPLACEMENT FOR CLUB LEGEND JAMIE VARDYJamie Vardy is by far Leicester’s best striker – but at 37, that’s the problem.He may be enjoying an Indian summer but the great man can’t go on forever and he really should be used sparingly while younger legs do the donkey-work for him.Unfortunately for Leicester fans there is still no heir apparent to assume Vardy’s throne.Steve Cooper brought in Jordan Ayew and Odsonne Eduard but neither look like the long-term future.The Foxes have had the fewest shots on goal in the Premier League and their expected goals total is the second lowest in the Prem.Losing key winger Abdul Fatawu with an ACL injury for the rest of the season was a massive blow.If Van Nistelrooy is to survive at Leicester he has to find a younger version of himself from somewhere!But if anyone knows what it takes it is surely RVN!An ageing Jamie Vardy is still Leicester’s best front manCredit: AlamyVan Nistelrooy’s controversial appointmentBy Neil Custis, Football writerRUUD VAN NISTELROOY walking into the Leicester job must have managers further down the leagues tearing their hair out.This week at the Northwest Football Awards, for example, Dave Challinor of Stockport was named manager of the year ahead of Pep Guardiola.Now that may be because organisers felt he would probably turn up to get his gong, unlike Guardiola.Still, two promotions in 2½ years to lift the area’s poor relation from the National League to League One — where they sit fourth — is incredible.Yet that and a managerial background at Colwyn Bay, AFC Fylde and Hartlepool would sadly never put him on a Premier League club’s radar.Van Nistelrooy was on that radar at the Foxes in the summer after one season managing at PSV Eindhoven before they went for Steve Cooper.Now after a further four games as interim Manchester United boss and he is in at the King Power and Cooper is out.Big names excite fans and Van Nistelrooy has one, literally.But he also comes with a red flag or two…CONNECT WITH THE FANSPerhaps they have been pampered with previous success.After all, virtually every Leicester fan is old enough to remember their team winning the Premier League, reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League and lifting the FA Cup!But those heady days of cardboard clappers and an electric atmosphere have been replaced with moans, groans and grumbles.Foxes fans can be a fickle lot, just ask former heroes Claudio Ranieri, Brendan Rodgers or Craig Shakespeare – let alone Claude Puel or Steve Cooper!Cooper was never given a chance by Leicester fans who couldn’t see past his Nottingham Forest past.Van Nistelrooy is already being viewed with suspicion by many fans who are dubious about his coaching credentials after just one full season with PSV.The Dutchman may have to turn on the charm to turn the tide with a fanbase who appear to have fallen out of love with many aspects of their club.Van Nistelrooy must win over the Leicester faithfulCredit: GettyRECRUIT THE BEST SCOUT AVAILABLESteve Cooper found it almost impossible to sell Leicester to many potential signings last summer – because they all feared a potential 10-point penalty over Profit and Sustainability breaches would condemn them to a relegation battle.Don’t expect much to change in January with Leicester still walking a financial tightrope.Money is in short supply at the King Power these days and there will be a limited transfer budget for Van Nistelrooy to work with.He will have to conjure up some pretty creative bargains – hence the need for a top talent spotter.The temptation will be to return to the Netherlands and a market he knows well.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut as Erik ten Hag discovered to his cost – the Eredivisie is no longer paved with gold nuggets!Van Nistelrooy will have a tight transfer budget to use in JanuaryCredit: Getty More